Comic Review: Creepshow Issue #2 (of 5) from SkyBound Entertainment (Image Comics)

Creepshow #2 (of 5)
Series: Creepshow
Arriving: October 26, 2022
Diamond ID: AUG220174
Imprint: Skybound
Image Comics

The Creep scares up two all-new standalone stories in this star-studded anthology based on the hit Shudder TV series.

DAVID & MARIA LAPHAM (STRAY BULLETS) terrify with the tale of a tree whose roots grew so deep they reached Hell...and the girl who sat beneath it.

STEVE FOXE (RAZORBLADES) and KELLEY JONES (Batman Sandman) share the shocking story of legendary comic creator Sal Medina-and the dedicated fan who went too far.

I forgot how much I love this format for horror storytelling. I remember reading reprints of Tales from the Crypt (my mom use to read them and told me about them.) I've never watched the Creepshow TV show on Shudder TV, but I heard about it becoming a comic book... I couldn't wait to indulge. My GenZ daughter once told me when I talked about all the cool stuff from my generation, "Is it really good, or is it just nostalgia?" HA! Creepshow #2 (I missed issue #1 *sob*) was both.

The nostalgia was comforting and the two stories in issue #2, "The Gorgamorahh Tree" and "Creator's Rites," are everything I love about horror comic shorts. I can't talk about the stories because that would spoil the fun. But if you enjoy horror anthology comics you will definitely want to check out Creepshow from SkyBound.

Check out the artwork for each story.

5 "Creepy" Sheep

SharonS

A genuine MULTI-PLATFORM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY led by passionate creators of content for all sizes of screens – Big, Small and everything in between…

Comic Review: The Me You Love in the Dark issues #2 and #3 (Image Comics)

 

Writer SKOTTIE YOUNG (I HATE FAIRYLAND, Deadpool, Strange Academy) and artist JORGE CORONA (NO. 1 WITH A BULLET, Super Sons, Feathers) follow up their critically acclaimed series MIDDLEWEST with a brand-new haunting tale. An artist named Ro retreats from the grind of the city to an old house in a small town to find solace and inspiration without realizing the muse within is not what she expected. Fans of Stephen King and Neil Gaiman will enjoy this beautiful, dark, and disturbing story of discovery, love, and terror.

The Me You Love in the Dark #2 (of 5)

Writer: Skottie Young 
Artist: Jorge Corona 
Published: September 8, 2021
Diamond ID: JUL210250

Image Comics
Age Rating: M
Artist Ro, hiding out in an old house, hoping for artistic lightning to strike, begins to feel even more strongly connected with the shadowy presence she’s been communicating with.

The Me You Love in the Dark #3 (of 5)
Writer: Skottie Young 
Artist: Jorge Corona 

Published: October 6, 2021
Diamond ID: AUG210251

Image Comics
Age Rating: M
Ro becomes even more intimate with whoever, or whatever, is haunting the old house as she finds the spark of inspiration for her most personal paintings yet.

Issue #2 is about Ro and her new friend finally starting to talk. Her ghostly housemate is accommodating and follows her lead...it seems worried about scaring her off. But she does get inspired to paint. We finally get to see what it looks like. YIKES!

Issue #3 their dynamic begins to shift. The "ghost" inserts itself into Ro's life and they spend the next few months together. Ro's agent calls and there is talk of her leaving the house and going home. You get the feeling that might not go over well with her "friend." It makes a big romantic gesture and Ro decides to take their relationship to the next level! 

I'm looking forward to the direction this story will take. There are only two more issues. Will she stay? Will she try to get away? Will we find out what Ro's spectral friend is?

Grab the first three issues online or at a local comic book store.

Issue #1 review

5 "red flags" Sheep

SharonS

Comic Review: The Strain: Master Quinlan, Vampire Hunter #2 from Dark Horse Comics

The Strain: Master Quinlan, Vampire Hunter #2

Writer: David Lapham

Penciller: Edgar Salazar

Inker: Keith Champagne, Dan Jackson

Genre: Action/Adventure, Horror

October 12, 2016

Format: FC, 32 pages; Miniseries

Price: $3.99

UPC: 7 61568 00065 8 00211

Dark Horse Books

Preview

Now a champion in the ancient arenas of Rome, Mr. Quinlan finds himself up against the fiercest of all of the gladiators. But his chances of survival outside the arena are even worse, as the Master closes in on Mr. Quinlan after years of searching!

* The origin of Mr. Quinlan from director Guillermo del Toro and writer David Lapham—begins here!

The comic issue begins with  Mr. Quinlan as an arena gladioator in Rome, 55 A.D. At that time, he is known as Bellator Candidus, and almost undefeatable. But the Emperor is not impressed and feels his favorite warrior, Spiculus, will beat the white newcomer. Spiculus fought with honor, skill and dignity, something the vampire half-breed aspired to. And when Quinlan does defeat the other gladiator, the Emperor thinks he fights like a demon. It is at that moment a stranger appears—the Master.

It is great to see how Quinlan began with the first issue and now this second one. Hopefully, it will go all the way to the time when the Master first arrives in America on a plane, like the first book and in the TV series.

5 vampiric sheep

Pamela Kinney

Comic Review: Blood and Dust: The Life and Undeath of Judd Glenny #2 from Action Lab: Danger Zone

 Blood and Dust: The Life and Undeath of Judd Glenny #2
Writer(s): Michael R. Martin & Adam Orndorf
Artist Name(s): Roy Allan Martinez
Cover Artist(s): Brett Weldele
32 pgs./ M / FC $3.99
40 years ago the first American vampire became the unlikely savior to the children of Boggy Depot and forged an unlikely agreement with the town. They leave him and his family alone, and he’ll save any children from whatever lives in the swamp. But now Judd needs saving, and his grandkids only hope is their mother. Only problem is she’s more dangerous than the swamp…

Issue #2 picks up right after issue #1. One of Judd's grandkids has been taken by the swamp monster. He has been saving kids from it for over 40 years, but this time he is going to kill it.

The scenes switch between Judd rescuing his grandkid  and 40 years ago when he rescued the first child from the swamp. Back then Judd had a best friend who was human. The flashback pages were a little confusing. There seemed to be a consistancy problem in how Judd was drawn. He would look old in one panel and young in another...sometimes I confused him with the friend helping him.  I had to do some rereading to figure out what was going on. The "now" pages were easy to follow. Judd is in trouble and his grandkid Zeke is going to get "momma" for help. We got a quick look at momma in issue #1 and this might not be the best course of action for the neighboring town! The one thing I wonder, is why Judd hasn't tried to kill the swamp monster before now.

I'm really enjoying this dark southern gothic horror story, Judd is a great anti-hero. There is an amazing amount of detailed work in the panels with the swamp monster. I shudder at how long it took to make those. 

Review: Blood and Dust: The Life and Undeath of Judd Glenny #1

4 "grab the RoundUp" Sheep

SharonS

Comic Review: The Devil You Know #1-4 by Frank Mula with AA88Press

The Devil You Know #1
Written by Frank Mula
Pencils Kellik M Iskandar
Inks Nunun Nurjannah
Colored by Victoria Pittman
Lettered by Victoria Pittman
Edited by Sal Brucculeri

AA88Press

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Religious,

Supernatural/Occult
26 Pages
Digital Release Date
November 19 2014
Age Rating 17+ Only
Sold by comiXology $.99
One late night, Greydon Cross comes home to find his family slaughtered and Satan himself standing before him. Fueled with rage, he rushes towards Satan but is struck down before he could have his revenge. Upon his death, God appears before Greydon and gives him a choice. He could choose to go to heaven and enjoy eternity in Gods kingdom, or he could choose to go to Hell, where God would grant him powers to seek out Satan and destroy him. There was one catch however; once Satan was destroyed Greydon would have to become Satan himself.

His desire for revenge too strong to ignore, Greydon agrees to Gods terms and descends to hell on a mission to assassinate the devil and avenge his family. Upon finding himself in hell, Greydon must battle his way through an army of demons, all the while discovering the limitations of his new powers.

Issues #2-4

The Devil You Know is about the age old question: If given the power to do Good or Evil, what choices would you make. Many biblical stories and adventure fantasies play with this idea and Frank Mula combines the two, creating a fast moving action adventure. The main character, Greydon Cross, makes his first choice when God gives him a chance to live in peace in heaven or go to hell to for revenge. Issue #1 introduces us to Greydon Cross and the beginning of his journey into hell with the powers to destroy Satan and take his place. At the end of issue #1 is an interesting afterword by Mula. He explains where the idea for this story came from and some of the themes explored, like the need to become a monster to defeat one.

I love the premise, who doesn't love a good vs evil story? It moves at a quick pace with plenty of bloody battles, friendships forged and even an evil queen. The story is easy to follow and the digital artwork complements the dialogue. I I thought it was clever to make the cyclopes' speech bubbles shaped like their one eye. There is also plenty of sarcastic humor from our hero/anti-hero and a new twist on the heaven vs hell dynamic.

Overall this is an interesting comic and worth the great price of $.99 an issue. And I am curious to see what choice Greydon will make once he becomes the leader of hell.

3.5 "Destroyer" Sheep

SharonS

About the Author:

website-twitter
I am a thirty-seven year old father of three, living in central New Jersey. I have been reading comics as long as I could read, mostly the Big two with Marvel being my favorite, but in recent years I have become a big fan of creator owned comics. Outside of comics I love almost everything geek culture. Huge Star Wars fan, love video games (PlayStation), sports (Mets and Jets), TV (BtVS, BGS, and The Wire are my favorites), and books (Song of Fire and Ice, Sirens of Titan, The Stand).

A graduate of the New York Film Academy, Frank is the creator and writer of the action/fantasy comic book, The Devil You Know. Taking techniques such as character dialogue and shot compositions learned in film school and blending them with a comic format and a solid knowledge of comic book history, Frank has put together The Devil You Know with his loyal comic team. Co-President along with Sal Brucculeri, Frank is one of the two faces of AA88 Press

Comic Review: Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab #1 & #2 by Dave Dwonch from Action Lab Entertainment

Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab #1

Writer/Letterer/Colorist: Dave Dwonch
Artist/Tones: Anna Lencioni
Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 10/28/15
Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital
After a young boy dies in his taxi cab, Cyrus Perkins must solve the boy’s murder… or be haunted by the spirit trapped in his car! Double Jumpers creator and co-writer of the hit all-ages series Vamplets teams with rising star Anna Lencioni to deliver a supernatural crime noir with a hero like no other: Cyrus Perkins!

Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab #2
Writer/Letterer/Colorist: Dave Dwonch
Artist/Tones: Anna Lencioni
Action Lab Entertainment
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 11/25/15
Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital

After the tragic events of last issue, Cyrus Perkins has gone from aimless Taxi Cab Driver to amateur Detective. Teaming with Michael, the ghost boy trapped in his car, Cyrus speeds into mystery, danger, and a conspiracy too twisted for words!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC $3.99 (reg.)

Excellent new comic series. In issue #1 we meet Cyrus Perkins. He's a cab driver, has a great relationship with his girlfriend, laid back attitude, and all around great guy who just wants to live and enjoy his life...then a a young man named Michael gets into his cab and dies... The story opens with a mortally wounded Michael getting into Cyrus' cab. Cyrus rushes to the hospital to save the kid, but he dies. The rest of the issue is about how Cyrus deals with the guilt. By the end Cyrus, has moved on and is ready to start driving his cab again...but...guess who shows up in his cab?

The story premise has my attention immediately. The first issue was setting up the series and not a lot of supernatural action. But the storytelling and artwork is organic and grounds Cyrus, making him easy to relate to and love. I would like to be friends with Cyrus in real life.

Side note: I've interviewed the writer, David, for the site and got to meet him at NCcomicon this year. And he is just as personable and laid back as Cyrus.

Issue #2 is where this comic starts to shine. Cyrus and Michael's relationship develops and together they prevent a horrible crime. This give Cyrus a new purpose and he is determined to solve Michael's death too. The same great artwork/writing chemistry is present.

Side note: Action Lab Entertainment comics are at the top of my list. The writing is consistently intelligent and the stories are unique. The artwork always compliments and caputres the story tone.

This comic can be enjoyed by just about anyone. Action, mystery and the right amount of humor to off set any of the darker themes.

5 "Hop in!" Sheep

SharonS

Comic Review: this damned Band issue #2 from Dark Horse Comics

THIS DAMNED BAND #2
Writer: Paul Cornell

Artist: Tony Parker

Colorist: Lovern Kindzierski

Cover Artist: Tony Parker
Genre: Humor, Horror
Dark Horse Comics

Publication Date: October 07, 2015

Format: FC, 32 pages; Miniseries

Price: $3.99

UPC:7 61568 25799 1 00311

Preview

The band Motherfather is starting to wonder if maybe the whole “pretending to worship Satan” thing wasn’t such a good idea—especially after Satan himself comes around for a visit!

The wickedly funny romp that mixes classic rock with black magic continues from Paul Cornell (Wolverine, Action Comics) and Tony Parker (Mass Effect: Foundation)!

“[Paul] Cornell does not disappoint.”—Comic Book Resources

The second issue picks up a short amount of time after the mysterious visitation the band Motherfather had mid-trip at the end of the first issue. It’s interesting that most of them want to dismiss that it didn’t really happen, and that’s kind of the running question I had through this issue: Are any paranormal elements in this title completely in the band’s heads or are we going to see what’s really going on at some point? To be fair, on my second read the pacing in this issue played out better. We get each band member’s opinions of what happened the night before, as well as a look into the tensions in the band dynamic overall as they continue their tour. Summerflower and Alice, the head groupie and Kev’s wife, respectively, stand out with lead singer Justin as being the three more interesting and sympathetic characters in the cast, with Bob the drummer probably up there as one of the more reliable characters to follow. 

There’s division on what cover is going to be used on the next album and who has say over what, throwing Clive into a tantrum. We see more of Alex’s interaction with Gold and learn of his problems paying his dealer. The subplot about a hierarchy of drug dealers/pushers for bands who also have creative say over the music is an interesting one, though the primary concern is about people getting their money. Summerflower expresses worries on film about deviations from the band’s rider (playing off of the old Van Halen candy story), which brings things back to the maybe-paranormal-maybe-not leanings. The ending sequence is by far the most chilling, and though we don’t see who’s primarily involved, we’re led to believe it’s more real-world antagonists.

This is where I feel a little confused – I really, really wanted a rocker & demon title. There’s a huge amount of mythos and stories to be played with, and I’m assuming we’re going to go back to that, but I’m hoping the ‘is it/isn’t it’ line isn’t going to be walked for too much longer. I’m also finding that although there are obvious horror-comedy leanings, the comedy isn’t overly amusing once you get past the Spinal Tap homage. It’s hard for me to get into a lot of this issue’s actual story because the memories of the acid trips and all of Clive’s tantrums look so cartoony and make it hard for me to take a big part of the cast seriously. It’s interesting, because while the art choices served the first issue well, to me it got in the way of some characters here. And while I love the rock themes and I love the era it’s set in, I really want to see the story and characters take precedence instead of more clichés. There’s a band timeline in the back that’s nice, but a little more story development would’ve made me happier.

Three and a half sheep

Guest Reviewer: Selah Janel

Comic Review: DEAD VENGEANCE #2 from Dark Horse Comics

DEAD VENGEANCE #2
Writer: Bill Morrison

Penciller: Tone Rodriguez

Inker: Keith Champagne

Cover Artist: Bill Morrison

Genre: Action/Adventure, Crime, Horror

Dark Horse Comics

Publication Date: November 4, 2015

Format: FC, 32 pages; Miniseries

Price: $3.99

UPC:7 61568 15617 1 00111

Can the carnival’s fortunetelling femme fatale, Madame Cansino, help the newly reanimated amnesiac John Doe fill in his memory gaps—or will she lead him to his doom?

Perfect for fans of The Goon!

From Bill Morrison (The Simpsons)!

I was pleased to see that while issue 2 picks up where 1 left off, it moves past the flashback immediately and keeps things moving forward. John Dover and Joe Preston continue to work through the holes in his memory, recounting how he was falsely arrested for the murder of his wife (thanks to the corrupt mayor buying off the DA), and how they worked to break him out. By returning to the cabin where he hid out, Dover is able to remember how the hitman who did commit the crime was put away for ten years, making him inaccessible for Dover to get to. His memory takes him through going to a carnival and consulting a fortune teller out of desperation, and continuing to go to her out of attraction. Concepts of astral and time travel are kicked around as a means to go to the future to get information from the hitman, and by the end Joe is wondering if that’s what, in fact, has happened to him…but if it has, why is his body so different? The last few pages imply a love triangle as he tracks down Selina the fortune teller and also hints at a disturbing revelation about the state of John’s body and life ten years in the future.

Although there was a decent amount of flashbacking this issue, too, it was done in spurts and really served to push things ahead rather than be just exposition. John was more emotional as he struggled to put the pieces of his life together, and while you could argue that that process was a little too convenient, it works for the genre and tone of the story. It was nice to see that Selina is an actual character and not just décor, and in general it was nice to see that plot points were hinted at without overtly being hit over the head with them. All in all the characters fit the tone of the piece, the pacing was great throughout the issue, and the time travel element is definitely a new take and something I wasn’t expecting to find. I love being surprised in a good way, so the outside-the-box thinking while keeping to the style is a nice touch. I felt more empathy for John this issue now that he’s less holier-than-thou, and I’m also really intrigued by Selina’s other suitor as well. This issue gives just enough story to satisfy and just enough questions to make me curious. I also really love the color tones and the art choices – it all just fits together so well and reminds me of all the older stories in Creepy and Eerie that used similar elements that I grew up loving. This issue makes me really curious to see where this is going, and but also lets me enjoy the ride until I get there.

4 sheep

Guest Reviewer: Selah Janel

Comic Review: Review: Harrow County #2 Dark Horse Comics

HARROW COUNTY #2

Writer: Cullen Bunn

Artist: Tyler Crook

Cover Artist: Tyler Crook
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Publication Date: June 10, 2015

Dark Horse

Format:FC, 32 pages; Ongoing

Price:$3.99

UPC:7 61568 26606 1 00211

Preview

An original Southern Gothic fairy tale from Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook!

As Emmy learns the secrets of her world from the strange and terrifying Tattered Skin, her father’s unusual behavior becomes ever more frightening, and the townsfolk begin to assemble with a deadly intent!

* Featuring two backup stories exclusive to the single issues!

* The chilling ongoing series from Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook (The Sixth Gun) continues!

Emmy sneaks home with the skin, or haint as she calls it, and after changing clothes, stuffs it in her bottom dresser drawer in her bedroom. She has a frightening nightmare that night and on awakening finds the skin trying to get out of her drawer. It tries to tell her about the tree and the people gathered beneath it. One of them is her own father. So she takes off, looking for him, the skin stuffed in a bag she is carrying, She doesn’t find her father, but runs into Bernice. She begins to learn bewildering things, not knowing anything herself.

Becoming as twisted like the tree on the farmland Emmy lives on, the tale grows stranger and darker, not needing gore like modern horror stories, but disturbing enough to haunt you long after you read it.

I give Harrow County #2 five haunted sheep.

Pamela K. Kinney

Comic Review: Archie vs. Predator (2 of 4) Dark Horse Comics

ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR #2 (of 4)
Writer: Alex de Campi

Penciller: Fernando Ruiz

Inker: Rich Koslowski

Colorist: Jason Millet

Cover Artist: Dan Parent
Genre: Science-Fiction
May 20, 2015

Format: FC, 32 pages; Miniseries

Price: $3.99

UPC:7 61568 27991 7 00211

Preview

“A MASH-UP FOR THE AGES.”—USA TODAY

Archie and the gang head back to Riverdale, but the vicious extraterrestrial Predator is in hot pursuit! When the kids determine that Betty and Veronica are the targets, they devise a secret weapon—Jughead in drag!

* Variant covers by Dustin Nguyen (Batman Eternal, Adventure Time) and Robert Hack (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)!

* IT’S OPEN SEASON ON ARCHIE!

Archie and the gang are back home in Riverdale in the United States, their friends Cheryl and Jason dead back where they had been in Issue #1. Except they do not know they are not safe, that something has followed them. A Predator. And anyone who holds knife or weapon is prey for the young alien hunter. 

The colors are great. The characters from Riverdale act as I always remember them acting in comics and on the animated TV shows. Though Sabrina the Teenage Witch is scarier in this comic than he ever was when I read her when younger. Still an interesting combination of the Archie comics’ humor and lightheartedness mixed with the Predator darkness and death. Somehow they do it well.

I give Archie vs. Predator (2 of 4) 4 sheep



Pamela K. Kinney

Comic Review: THE ORDER OF THE FORGE issues #1-2

THE ORDER OF THE FORGE #1
Writer: Victor Gischler
Artist: Tazio Bettin
Cover Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Publication Date: April 29, 2015
Dark Horse

Format: FC, 32 pages; Miniseries
Price: $3.99

Preview
“I cannot tell a lie. I f**king hate zombies.”—G. Washington
Before he fathered a nation, young George Washington forged his legend in blood! Imbued with the mystical powers of America’s original inhabitants, George—along with his friends Ben Franklin and Paul Revere—must stop an evil governor who wishes to rule an empire!
* New series from Victor Gischler (Angel & Faith)!
* A dark fantasy/historical fiction genre smash-up!
* Perfect for fans of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter!

THE ORDER OF THE FORGE #2
Writer: Victor Gischler
Artist: Tazio Bettin
Cover Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Publication Date: May 27, 2015

Dark Horse
Format: FC, 32 pages; Miniseries
Price: $3.99
UPC: 7 61568 27678 7 00211
preview

When the motley crew of Washington, Franklin, and Revere discover a sinister plot to enslave the free world, they must use their newfound powers to strike back—but not before they engage in battle with the spectral force of America’s first conquerors!
* New series from Victor Gischler (Angel & Faith)!
* A dark fantasy/historical fiction genre smash-up!
* Perfect for fans of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter!

Issue #1 introduces us to a young and rebellious George Washington. After cutting down his dad’s cherry tree his ax slips out of his hands and hits a Native American totem pole. There is a blinding flash and George knows he has a problem. He runs away to Philadelphia and starts working as a handyman at Lord Hammond’s estate along with a young Paul Revere. Lord Hammond’s beautiful and independent niece, Lady Kate, has come from England to stay with him for a while. Lady Kate uncovers her uncle’s plan to over throw British rule in the colonies using an ancient secret weapon they hope to find using an ancient secret map! George, Paul head out to collect a drunken Ben Franklin from a brothel. The three along with Kate are run into some thugs and George slices an dices with his ax and then lightning hits his ax and there is another flash of light.

Issue #2 The foursome all get his with the effects of the ax, but they have no idea what it has done to them at first. They gang makes a plan to steal the map and find this ancient secret weapon before Lord Hammond. They get the map, but Hammond finds out and the chase is on! We discover what powers each person gained from the lightning striking the ax and of course they are pretty cool, except George’s…poor guy.  The map takes them to Roanoke, Va. Where danger is waiting!

This is an entertaining comic. It is fun to see a younger version of important historical figures and actual events woven into the story in a different context . I really like the fact that the dialogue is modern and our heroes/heroine are snarky…the guys have foul mouths. The story is fast paced which means the reader has to fill in a lot of blanks but there is a ton of action, violence and even some brothel T&A. The artwork is on point for the story. Some pages were text heavy at times, but not enough to overwhelm the art.

Overall this is a guilty pleasure action adventure. Raiders of the Lost Ark, but with founding fathers.

3.5 “I cannot tell a lie…no, seriously” Sheep

SharonS